Course Detail: BUS500 - Growing Responsive Organizations through Applied Leadership

This course is designed to support professionals working in a community-based setting who desire to develop their capacity as innovators, problem-solvers, and effective community leaders.


Who Should Attend:
Non-profit organizations, community-based organizations working in the areas of human services, social services, or education-related settings.

Prerequisite: Prior experience working in a non-profit or community-based setting is recommended, but not required.


Growing Responsive Organizations through Applied Leadership
The impact of community-based organizations is the outgrowth of leaders who understand the importance of inclusion and innovation. Participants will examine how leaders leverage self and team awareness around leadership preferences and personalities to achieve their mission. Organizational behaviors that contribute to inclusive cultures and the importance of belonging as an emotional outcome (associated with personal and professional purpose) are analyzed in context of community development.


Module 1: Becoming a Responsive Organization - Online

Module 2: Achieving Innovation Through Inclusion - Online

Module 3: Establishing a Thriving Culture - Online


Student Testimonials:
"We receive not only knowledge, but tools that we can utilize on the job immediately. The instructor is all around excellent, professional, well versed in the topic, communicates frequently, his presentations are top notch, and he has implemented the use of technology within our online sessions flawlessly. I feel as though I am receiving a graduate level/quality education through Continuing Studies because Dr. Oliver has prepared the course and each session so well." - Student

"The course materials and curriculum were applicable and relevant to my workspace and Dr. Oliver was open to learning from the students. He was prepared for each class and willing to help us grow personally and professionally." - Student


This program is offered fully online. Classes will be facilitated by a live instructor during the scheduled course times. Class sessions are not recorded. Several days prior to the start of your course, you will receive an email with information on connecting to the online sessions.

Participants should have a computer with a strong internet connection, a working microphone, and speakers. Students are required to utilize the camera and microphone to participate in this interactive class. Class participation enhances the online learning experience.

This course applies toward the PFW Applied Leadership Certificate. Take all four courses to earn the credential.


Dr. Brad Oliver serves as Program Coordinator for the Applied Leadership Certificate program. He serves as clinical Associate Professor of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Brad has an extensive background in K-12 education, public policy, social enterprise and non-profit management. In addition to teaching in higher education, Brad serves as a professional consultant to several northeast Indiana non-profit organizations, offering training in the areas of leadership development and strategic execution. He has over twenty-five years of experience serving as a board member and executive officer on several community and non-profit boards.





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